posted 02-20-2011 07:29 AM            

I hope to visit a few wineries we are familiar with and try a few new ones. I am somewhat conflicted by trying something I can't buy back at home, but on the other hand that could be seen as a positive. Depends on your perspective I guess - glass half full versus half empty. Although, my view on that old saying is that the glass is obviously too big!

Before I post a potential itinerary, here are the places we visited last time.

Clos Pegase - I love their Pinot. So full bodied, I can't believe it is a Pinot.

Sterling - We had to experience the ride up the mountain. Actually, we were pleasantly surprised by some of their wines we had not seen in the stores.

Rombauer - I love their Zin, especially when it had a higher percentage of El Dorado grapes.

Dutch Henry - Recommended by a local business associate. Their wines were average, but we received personal attention from the winemaker and really enjoyed ourselves. They had a wonderful olive oil if I remember correctly.

I seem to be forgetting one, but maybe it was because we spent too long at Rombauer!

posted 02-20-2011 06:53 AM            

If you would like some specific places to visit, tell us where you are staying, what days you will be spending in Napa and Sonoma, and maybe we can come up with some suggestions . . . that is if you want them.

posted 02-20-2011 05:49 AM            

I am definitely no expert, I just have an appreciation for good wine (when I am not enjoying a good scotch). Both my wife and I helped out some friends who run a liquor store in town, where we received a little education on wines, followed by an appreciation. I can tell the difference between a $10 bottle versus a $30 bottle, but beyond that it is hard for me to justify spending a lot of money.

Having said that, I have been lucky enough to sample Penfolds Grange, Opus One, and Screaming Eagle. Each of them were pretty amazing, but I am perfectly happy in the $30-$50 range when considering a "good" bottle of wine.

To answer your other question, it will be my wife and I on the trip. She is a Galveston/Hitchcock native. Friday thru Monday morning will be split between Wine Country and San Fran, then we are off to San Jose for a few days on business. The good thing is that there is a J. Lohr tasting room close to our hotel in San Jose!

posted 02-19-2011 08:04 PM            

We did spend nearly 4 years in Baltimore, MD in the early 80's (work) and that was a fabulous adventure. Played the tourist, with absolutely no shame, the entire time.

posted 02-19-2011 06:59 PM            

Yes, I am getting a late start, but I wasn't sure how much time I was spending in Napa/Sonoma. I am splitting my time between San Jose, San Francisco and Wine County.

This will be my second trip to the area, so I am hoping to try some new wines and maybe a couple of my favorites. I didn't get a chance to visit Sonoma last time, but after reading the threads over there I am getting excited.

I have been favoring Zin's of late, so I should enjoy quite a few from that area. So I will probably start a thread there to ask a few opinions. But since we are in Napa, one of my favorite Zin's is from Rombauer. I tend to prefer my Zin on the jammy side, rather than too much pepper unless I am having a steak.

I am a big fan of Seghesio and anything Rockpile, but I will save that conversation for the Sonoma forum.